Platoon Control System Using Common Time Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platooning systems for vehicle convoys rely on control based on past GPS coordinates, limiting the ability to achieve shorter inter-vehicle distances for reduced air resistance and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control system using a common time base allows for advanced communication of control commands between vehicles, enabling precise synchronization and preparation of actions, such as braking or acceleration, ahead of control points, with a precision of at least 10 ms, preferably 1 ms, and most preferably 100 μs, using external or internal clocks for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a common time base with high precision is implemented, then inter-vehicle distance can be reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common time base as an intermediary reference that all vehicles in the platoon synchronize to. This time base acts as a mediator that coordinates actions across vehicles without requiring complex direct vehicle-to-vehicle coordination, enabling precise timing for reduced inter-vehicle distances while managing system complexity through a centralized reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary actions by communicating control commands in advance of control points using the synchronized time base. Vehicles can prepare actions (such as pre-charging brakes or positioning) before they are needed, allowing for smoother control and shorter safety distances without requiring overly complex real-time reaction systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If control commands are communicated in advance of control points, then fuel consumption is reduced through shorter distances, but timing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the time base precision (at least 10 ms, preferably 1 ms, most preferably 100 μs). By defining these specific parameter thresholds, the system achieves the necessary timing precision to enable advance control command communication and shorter inter-vehicle distances, directly supporting fuel efficiency improvements through quantifiable precision standards.
3Loss of energy
If inter-vehicle distances are shortened, then air resistance is reduced, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized time base enables precise feedback mechanisms where vehicles can monitor and adjust their positions and actions relative to the platoon's coordinated timeline. This feedback system allows for maintaining tight inter-vehicle spacing by continuously comparing actual positions against planned positions at precise time points, reducing air resistance while managing control precision requirements through active monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system for travel in a platoon (1), the platoon comprising a lead vehicle (L) and one or more following vehicles (F1, F2, . . . , Fi-1, Fi, . . . , Fn) automatically following the lead vehicle, the lead vehicle controlling the movement of the following vehicles, each of the following vehicles and the lead vehicle comprising communication means (10, 12), wherein the control system comprises a common time base, which allows a control command proposing an action to be communicated from the lead vehicle (L) to at least one of the following vehicles (F1, F2, . . . , Fi-1, Fi, . . . , Fn) in advance of a control point (tc). The invention further relates to the use of a common time base in a platoon and to a method to control travelling in a platoon.